Strength and Cunning in All Things
The unofficial motto the herd shares. Most value is placed on being a
useful member of the herd, and the most profitable use is found in building up their skills to let others make use of them. For a price, naturally.
The herd travels as they please, honing their skills in combat, negotiation, and other similar directions as each member is allowed- expected, even -to hire himself out to other soq; even another herd should the request arise, to stand as a guard, to be the tough-looking negotiator between haggling parties, to protect a territory for another or look after certain belongings or young.
They negotiate a strict contract, agreeing only to short lengths of time, as being away from the herd for too long means leaving their own young with fewer guardians as the herd moves on. Once a contract comes up, they are open to renegotiate the terms if a client still feels they have need of the service. Or, should a romance have bloomed with a client, then a new contract is to be drawn up. It is very rare, and not smiled upon, for a member of the herd to leave for a partner- a new partner is to be brought into the herd and remain with the main group as they wander...or arrangements be made until foals are born. Sons are to be brought into the herd and begin training immediately. Daughters are allowed to remain with them and learn, but they are encouraged to seek other homes. There are some females who remain a part of the herd, staying with the main group, but they are typically not a part of the hiring of services.
It is rare, but if a mare joins the group (or a daughter reaches adulthood and holds no desire to leave and find work elsewhere) and wishes to join the Trade, then she is tested for reliability, strength, and dedication. Mares are the most adept at rearing young, and thus are encouraged to stay with the main group both for the extra eyes to keep with any young or aged members, and their skill at keeping young foals in line. The herd does understand that not every female has a desire to spend her days minding children or even raising her own- but their trade is one with risks.
The main test of a mare's reliability involves her being partnered with a seasoned Tradesman for every contract she takes on. This has no specific time limit- and each contract, she is paired with a different stallion to observe her work and provide assistance if needed. When they feel she has proven herself capable of continuing their lifestyle, and the chances of her simply deciding that this life is not what she had thought, or wanted, then she will be granted a place among the Trades with honor. She will be held to the same requirements as any other member of the Trade: Strict contract terms, to return to the main body of the herd on completion of every job. And, should love be found outside the herd, then she must bring whatever suitor back with her, so that the foals will be raised among the group.